“Yeah, usually the gas clouds dissipate after a few minutes, but I guess the gas had nowhere to go down here. Brilliant plan.”
Grayson was right for us to worry about those two.
We scale the moat for a second time and make it out. We take cover outside of the perimeter wall. If we keep a low profile, we can creep along the outer wall and enter the keep from behind.
We stay low to the ground, the echoes of battle carrying from the other side. The clashing of metal, crackling of fire, crunching of ice, and crashing of boulders mixes with barbaric yells and painful screams as the death count rises.
A halfling mage crouches against the wall up ahead watching the madness unfold. He peeks through a hole in the ancient wall. Everything is so loud that he doesn’t hear us approaching.
Dean and I attack at the same time, hitting him with fire and electricity. We follow up with melee attacks, and he dies almost instantly.
I let his body fall into the moat and take his position. The hole in the wall is big enough to see the front side of the keep. On the far wall, Ryken battles with a mace against a shirtless orc. He uses wind magic to jump between higher and lower levels with ease, making him hard to hit for someone so bulky.
Dawn hits the orc with electricity, stunning him, and Ryken finishes him with a kick into a gas cloud below. The remaining players continue to tick down. Twenty. Fifteen. Ten.
We’re so close.
There’s a loud whoosh as someone casts Updraft nearby. I look up to see the elven archer who killed Chadwick shooting arrows at those fighting below. She nocks her arrows with great speed, letting them fly with abandon.
A dark figure emerges from the shadows of the stairwell and sprints toward the archer. They step into the light and I realize it’s Talia.
She charges like a lioness, crossbow draped over her shoulder and hand outstretched. Red energy flares in her palm as she casts fireball.
“Burn, you bitch!” She launches the fireball, and it mixes with Updraft, creating a cone of flame that burns the archer from beneath. The archer screams as she tries to take aim at Talia, but the constant burning must have her aim off.
Talia drops to one knee, aiming her crossbow as she slides, and pulls the trigger. The archer’s shield cracks from the fire damage, and the bolt hits her in the neck. The same spot where Chadwick was shot. She clutches her throat, and a moment later falls to the earth with a thud.
“Talia, behind you!” Dean yells.
And then I see it. Ryken is a good thirty yards away, but his ember eyes are focused on Talia. He casts Updraft and uses the force to launch him forward. Just as he is about to hit the ground, he points his palm down and uses Gale. The air pressure extends his fall for a few feet and he lands in front of Talia.
She turns around but not quickly enough. He hits Talia with the mace, knocking her to the ground and nearly cracking her shield.
Before I know what’s happening, Dean is climbing over the wall. I call for him, but he doesn’t hear me. He shoots a fireball at Ryken, but the death knight uses Gale to deflect it.
While lying on her back, Talia summons a flame wall in front of Ryken, but Dawn extinguishes it with a water blast. Considering Dean and Talia are both using fire, this is not a good matchup.
Ryken swings his mace again, but Talia rolls to the side and his weapon smashes into the earth.
I climb the wall and follow Dean into battle. Ryken notices me, and his glowing eyes flare from within his helm.
The momentary lapse gives Talia a moment to escape, and she leaps through a hole in the wall. Ryken curses and casts Updraft, rejoining Dawn up along the wall.
“I should have known you would be here. Did you have to cheat to get this far too?” Ryken’s voice carries over the sudden silence.
I ignore his jab and deliver one of my own. “At least I’m not doing all of this because I have daddy issues.”
Ryken laughs. “Right, because you don’t have a father, do you?”
His comments don’t bother me. Maybe if I remembered my father they would, but all I see before me is a spoiled brat looking for attention any way he can get it.
Dean hurls another fireball, which Ryken nonchalantly deflects with Gale.
“Let’s kill this jerk.” Dean’s lips curl up in anger.
I hold my hand out in front of his chest. “Easy. Patience is what got us here. He has height at the moment so we can’t push. We need to wait for him to make a mistake.”
For the moment, we’re in a standoff, neither one making the first move.
A beam of ice hits Dawn in the back, and ice crystals erupt across her body. Her movement slows for a moment before she uses Cleanse and the ice melts away.
A gnome soars through the air like he was launched off a ramp and lands in front of Dawn brandishing a dagger. He stabs at her, but she uses the end of her bow to parry the blow. The dagger cuts through the bowstring, making her weapon useless.
Ryken pushes Dawn aside and lifts his mace. The gnome takes a step back and shoots ice at Ryken’s feet, coating the wall in a slick layer. Ryken and Dawn both steady themselves to keep from falling.
“This is our chance,” I whisper.
I run for the stairs. As I’m climbing them, Dean breaks off and heads straight for the wall. He jumps across two broken pillars, using his spear to vault himself into the air, and casts Flame Wall underneath Ryken and Dawn.
Flames melt through the ice and eat at their shields before Dawn extinguishes them with her water blast.
I use Chain Reaction at the puddle underneath their feet, shocking Ryken, Dawn, and the gnome all in one hit.
Dean tries to tackle Ryken as he falls, but the death knight uses Updraft, launching himself into the air and sending Dean rolling off the wall and grabbing at air.
A fireball shoots up from the ground below, setting Updraft ablaze. Talia emerges from inside the keep. I toss a bolt at Ryken, but he abandons Updraft and falls to the ground with a thud.
The gnome presses on a weaponless Dawn, and Dean is nowhere to be found. Right now, I need to trust that he can handle himself.
I look to Talia. “Help me with Ryken.”
She nods.
Ryken stands between me and Talia, but I finally have the high ground.
The familiar sound of shattering glass rings like an alarm to my left as shields crack while Dawn and the gnome trade blows.
It’s the perfect time to push them, but I can’t leave Talia alone with Ryken.
She throws a fireball, and I use Bolt at the same time. Ryken casts Updraft to launch himself into the air. As he’s rising, he jumps off and lands behind Talia.
The fireball and electricity are engulfed by the updraft, creating an electrical inferno. Before Talia can turn around, Ryken bludgeons her in the back with his mace, and her shield cracks. He kicks her forward and she flails into the inferno. She screams as she’s scorched and electrocuted simultaneously. Her health depletes by ninety percent before the spell fades away.
She turns her back to me and raises a dagger at Ryken, but it’s no match for his mace.
To my left, Dawn has somehow managed to defeat the gnome. She sways as she walks, like she can barely stand. Dean is still nowhere to be found, and I have no idea if he is dead or alive. As far as I know, all his hopes and dreams are resting on me.
Dawn jumps down from the ledge. “I did it, Ryken. Let’s finish him, and we win.”
She stumbles over next to Ryken.
“Silly girl. Like I need your help. The only reason you are here is because of me. Now go home and watch me take care of business with the rest of the world.”
Before Dawn can comprehend what is happening, Ryken smashes her in the head with his mace.
He laughs coldly. “I guess it was always going to be me and you. Only this time, my sister isn’t here to protect you. Time to fight your own battles.”
A red vial soars through the air over Ryken’s head, and I catch it with one hand.
&
nbsp; “Wrong!” Dean climbs on top of a stone arch and summons a gas cloud where Ryken is standing.
I down the fire vial like my life depends on it, letting the spicy cinnamon liquid warm my insides. As soon as it takes effect, I throw a fireball at the gas cloud and brace for what comes next. It explodes like a bomb, sending out a shockwave and cracking Ryken’s shield as he disappears within gas and smoke.
The cloud fades, and Ryken kneels on the ground. His armor groans, and he uses his mace as a crutch to climb to his feet.
Dean pulls a flail from his waistband and jumps. He whips the spiked head of the flail in a circle as he falls, and the ball rings out like a gong when it connects with Ryken’s helm.
The death knight stumbles forward, dazed. He attempts to lift his mace, but it falls from his hands. Dean delivers the final blow and trumpets sound all around us.
“Jerk.” Dean tosses the flail to the ground.
I turn around, ready for our next opponent, when I finally process what the trumpets mean.
We won.
Dean runs toward me as the trumpets blare. I pull him into a bear hug and squeeze tight. I can’t believe we actually won.
“We did it! We actually freaking did it!” Dean buries his head against my chest, and sobs ripple through his body.
I close my eyes, fighting back tears of my own. Applause radiates all around me, and when I open my eyes, we’re on stage surrounded by thousands of people.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The applause is deafening. Confetti rains down around us as Benjamin grabs Dean’s hand and lifts it in the air. Benjamin is dressed for the red carpet, wearing a navy-blue tuxedo that shimmers under the bright lights. This is the same coliseum where I was crowned victor after the Developer’s Tournament.
Kind of fitting that I’m back here again.
Lights flash all around us, and giant video boards replay highlights from the battle royale. The crowd is full of thousands of people of all races and classes. Ordin gives me a thumbs-up from the front row.
“Talk about a photo finish!” Benjamin pumps Dean’s hand overhead.
Every video replays the moment where Dean hit Ryken with the flail. The death knight stumbles forward in slow motion, and Dean delivers the winning blow. The crowd goes wild again.
“Of all the storylines throughout the tournament, this one was one of the most fun to watch. Like an onion, it was full of so many layers. Two competitors from The Boxes. A reluctant former champion pulled back into the public eye. A new kid searching for his place in the world. Old rivals meeting once again at the final moment.” Benjamin flashes a pearly-white smile. “We couldn’t have written a better story!” He wraps his arm around Dean and holds the microphone in front of him. “What’s going through your mind right now?”
“Uh.” Dean stands silently for a moment. “I’m just really happy that Esil took a chance on me. I never thought I would have an opportunity like this. I dreamt about it, and I prayed for it, but I never thought it could really happen.”
Benjamin takes a step back and gestures toward the crowd in a sweeping motion. “Well, you’re not dreaming now. You’ve just won one of the most coveted scholarships on the planet. An opportunity to learn and work alongside some of the most brilliant minds Pangea Online has to offer.” He steps between Dean and I, focusing his attention on me. “And here we have Esil, Dean’s guiding light, his mentor, and his co-champion.” He winks at me. “I know you’re not one for speeches, so let’s just get right to it. What charity will you be donating the tournament winnings toward?”
I take a deep breath. “This is actually something I have been putting together for a while now. I didn’t want to make anything public because I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, but I guess it’s time to let the cat out of the bag. I’ve set up a scholarship for orphans from The Boxes. It’s designed to help them with equipment they might not normally have access to, and each year, a handful of students with excellent grades will receive a full scholarship to the Pangea school of their choosing.”
Benjamin nods in approval. “Excellent. A worthy cause if I ever heard of one. I’m sure you two want to celebrate and enjoy the moment. We’ll certainly be hounding you for interviews in the coming days, but for now, enjoy the victory. Here’s Nancy with a recap of the tournament.”
Thunder cracks overhead, and Nancy emerges from a cloud on her pegasus. She soars across the crowd before landing on the stage. Her voice booms as Benjamin leads us away.
Once we’re out of view, Benjamin pulls me aside. “Congrats again. I always knew you had it in you. Go catch up with your friends, but whenever you get a minute, stop by my office later. There are some things I want to discuss with you.”
I nod. “Will do.” But I can’t help wondering what could be so important that he needs me to stop by today?
Benjamin and I shake hands, and then he returns to the stage.
I turn and pat Dean on the back. “Ready to get out of here?”
He hasn’t stopped smiling since we left the stage. “Yeah, but I just want to say thanks again.” He pinches himself. “Are you sure I’m not dreaming?”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re definitely not dreaming. Now, let’s get out of here. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
He scrunches his eyes, but I don’t elaborate any further. I want to see the look on his face, his real face, when I tell him the news.
When we log out, I’m surprised to find there’s a crowd of people in my living room. Buzz, Grayson, Maria, and Aleesia erupt into applause when Dean and I enter the room.
“How’d you guys get in here?” I ask.
Aleesia comes over and kisses me on the cheek. “You gave me access to your apartment, remember?”
I kiss her back. “Oh, right. That was forever ago. You’ve been so busy that I guess I forgot.”
Grayson stands up, his mustache curling with the smile underneath. “I knew you had it in you.” He points to Dean. “Way to put that bully in his place.”
“Yeah,” Buzz nods in agreement. “You were a little too passive for my tastes most of the match, but that final battle was epic!”
Maria hugs both me and Dean in turn. “Good job, boys. I just feel terrible for that Talia, though. She looked like she lost it there at the end.”
She did lose it. And there’s no way we would have won without her. I need to make sure to check in on her once things calm down a bit.
“So, what now?” asks Aleesia.
“Well, I was hoping to talk with Dean in private, but you’re all family, so I guess this is as good of a time as any.”
Dean stares at me intently. I’m sure he’s wondering what the heck is going on.
“First and foremost, this decision is yours. You don’t need to feel any pressure one way or another, but I wanted to offer. After spending these past few months with you, I’ve gotten to know what kind of person you are. You’re smart, driven, and a little mischievous at times, but above all, you’re a good kid. I know what it’s like growing up in an orphanage. For so long, you haven’t caught a break, but I want to change that. You’ve got a little over a year before you turn eighteen, so I understand if you want to stay there and finish things out. I also realize I’m only a few years older than you, but if you’d like, I’d be happy to get the papers in order so that I could adopt you and you could move in and live here with me. Mr. Green says he can put me in touch with the right people.”
The rest of the room watches in silent anticipation. The color drains from Dean’s face, and he stares blankly.
“No, I wouldn’t like that.”
Those words hit me like a punch in the gut. But it’s his decision. “It’s okay. I under—”
“I’d love it!” He laughs as he wraps his arms around me. “But I’m not calling you daddy.”
Everyone bursts into laughter.
We spend the next couple of hours celebrating with cake and ice cream as Dean recounts the final stage
for everyone. Honestly, sitting here, surrounded by all these people I care about, this is one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.
I squeeze Aleesia on the knee. “I’ve got to head out for a bit. I promised Benjamin I would stop by his office. Don’t have too much fun without me.”
I knock on the door to Benjamin’s office. A few seconds later, it opens with a hiss. Benjamin sits behind the polished mahogany desk grinning.
“You’re something else, you know that?”
I take a seat in front of his desk. “Why’s that?”
He leans forward, pressing the tips of his fingers together. “Do you know how hard it is to win one of Pangea’s official tournaments? It’s pretty damn hard. And yet here you are, a kid who had never set foot in a game world until you turned eighteen, and you’ve won the two biggest tournaments of the past five years. Not only that, you’ve won the only two tournaments you’ve ever entered. I’ll eat my shoe if they don’t write a book about you someday.”
It feels weird being complimented, so I do my best to deflect it. “It was nothing but luck and determination. I wouldn’t worry about keeping that shoe too clean if I were you. With full-immersion coming to all of Pangea, who’s going to have time to read anymore?”
Benjamin laughs. “As humble as always. But you do touch on why I wanted you here. Full-immersion is going to change things drastically. With all of the former champions promoting it to their followers, the hype is going to be through the roof. I want to make sure that when we finally start rolling it out for real that we get it right. There’s no room for hiccups on this.”
I sit up straight in the chair, uncertain of what he’s getting at. “What does this have to do with me?”
“We’re going to need beta testers. And a lot of them. Pangea is composed of thousands of game worlds, and each one is going to need to go through testing. I think it is high time we do something about The Boxes, and I wanted you on board before I take my motion to the Board of Directors.”
Pangea Online: The Complete Trilogy Page 73